PHONE numbers used by drug dealers to keep narcotics flowing in Thurrock have been shut down by police.

Eleven phone numbers used by drug dealing gangs in the region have been removed from the telephone network after Essex police's drug-busting Operation Raptor team members worked with the telephone companies and courts to secured restriction orders.

Police officers from the Raptor unit identified phone numbers that were being used to offer cocaine and cannabis for sale in Thurrock and Brentwood.

DS Russ Chamberlain from the team said: "This is the first time Essex Police has applied for multiple phone lines to be closed down at the same time.

"The legislation is just one of the tactics we use to disrupt and dismantle drugs supply networks.

"Mobile phones are a vital to dealers and some lines will often make thousands of pounds a day.

"Without them, their drug dealing activity is seriously disrupted and their potential to earn money at the expense of vulnerable people is curtailed."

As well as closing down phone lines, officers are also sending SMS text messages to potential drug users to offer them help and support.

The message encourages anyone who wants help to beat substance misuse to contact Open Road, a charity that supports people with drug and alcohol addiction. It will include a link and contact number for the charity, which supports people across Essex.

DS Chamberlain added: "Drugs gangs exploit and groom drug users and vulnerable people, some of whom may be frightened to get help, or feel there's no way out.

"Helping people to get out of this lifestyle and protecting those at risk of being used by gangs is absolutely vital, and we're working closely with organisations including Open Road to offer them support to break free."